Leadership Profiles
Executive Leadership Team
Kelly White, MA, LMFT
Chief Executive Officer
Kelly White is fueled by her love and devotion for those whom 海角社区 serves. As 海角社区鈥 Chief Executive Officer, Kelly has guided, strengthened, and grown the organization and its mission of providing love, care, and hope for individuals with disabilities and their families. She has been instrumental in forecasting our clients鈥 needs, providing the best programs for those we serve. Firmly believing in accountability and transparency, Kelly reports to the twenty members of our Board of Directors who assist with the organization鈥檚 policy-making.
A licensed marriage and family therapist, Kelly began her career working with children and adults with mental illness in Minnesota and California. After managing a behavioral day program, she soon became a service coordinator at the South-Central Regional Center in Los Angeles and later at Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center. In 1996, Kelly joined the team at 海角社区 as the Director of Residential Services. Here at 海角社区, she advanced to become Vice President of Adult Programs and then worked as 海角社区鈥檚 Chief Operating Officer for seven years until 2009, when she became 海角社区鈥檚 Chief Executive Officer. She earned an Executive Leadership certificate from the Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management from Claremont Graduate University.
A forward-thinker, Kelly co-founded the Los Angeles Coalition of Service Providers, a local advocacy group including eighteen other non-profits, to address state budget issues and advocate for program funding for individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities. She remains active in the community with organizations such as Rotary, Civitan, Down Syndrome Association, Disability Services Network, Pasadena Executive Leadership and Board of Behavioral Sciences. Kelly currently serves on the Frank Lanterman Regional Center Service Provider Advisory Council and formerly was the chair of its advisory board and served as representative on the Lanterman Regional Center Board.
Kelly keeps personal connections to the individuals and families 海角社区 serves, many of whom she has known for over 30 years. She believes 鈥渋t is important to have a business model, and equally important , be mission driven and keep in mind our core values as we deliver quality and cost-effective services to meet the individual needs of the community.鈥
Vicky Castillo
Chief Financial Officer
鈥淏eing a part of an amazing team that positively impacts the lives of those we serve鈥 is what drives Vicky Castillo. Vicky earned her B.A. in Business Management with a minor in Business Administration and has since been in the field for over 35 years. She has expertise in corporate compliance, risk management, human resources, and all aspects of financial operations. While the nonprofit sector requires resilience, her expert business acumen makes her quick to adapt and manage change. Vicky loves celebrating team milestones and having rewarding interactions with those we serve.
Vicky had worked in the field for several years before discovering that her daughter was on the autism spectrum. She shares, 鈥淚 remember observing the children on our 海角社区 playground when I noticed several familiar mannerisms. This prompted me to have my daughter tested and properly diagnosed.鈥 Today, Vicky鈥檚 daughter happily participates in 海角社区鈥檚 Community Integration Program.
鈥淚 am passionate about the work we do, and I find fulfillment in contributing to making a positive impact,鈥 she states. 海角社区 鈥渋s an environment that maintains the highest ethical standards, where lifelong learning is a priority.鈥
Gioia Pastre
Vice President of Philanthropy and Public Relations
Gioia Pastre began her career with 海角社区 over 30 years ago and was promoted to Vice President in 1997. Under her leadership, 海角社区 has raised enough money to not only support but also expand the organization鈥檚 nine programs. Gioia works tirelessly to ensure our programs provide the best opportunities possible for our participants.
Gioia and the Capital Campaign Cabinet led the charge in launching 海角社区鈥檚 Hope Moves Forward Capital Campaign and were instrumental in generating funds for Phases 1 and 2. Gioia says she was driven by the desire to 鈥渟ee our old storefront and warehouse buildings transformed into modern facilities designed specifically for the individuals we serve and their families.鈥 Phase 1, which was launched in 2012, led to the building and opening of the new 海角社区 School and imaginative play yard in 2018. Phase 2 included a state-of-the-art Occupational Therapy Clinic, a gymnasium, and additional classrooms, which opened in 2025. The new facilities 鈥渟how how our communities value these unique students and adults,鈥 she states. Gioia is currently leading the Final Phase of the Capital Campaign.
She is an active member of the San Gabriel Valley Estate Planning Council and the Southern California Council of Charitable Gift Planners.
Darryl Goodus
Vice President of Adult Programs
For Darryl Goodus, the most gratifying aspect of working at 海角社区 is 鈥渟eeing a person served volunteer and give back to their community, move into their own apartment, or get a second, third or fourth chance at success.鈥 Darryl helps our participants understand that 鈥渋t鈥檚 okay not to succeed right away; just do not give up.鈥 Having earned his MBA with a concentration in Organizational Leadership, his expertise spans the breadth of services. He has devoted over 30 years to Social Services, Human Services, and government work, including over 23 years serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Darryl has worked in variety of settings: Residential services, Independent Living Services/ Supported Living Services programs, Day Programs, Employment, and Inpatient Psychiatric Settings with adults and adolescents. He has a proven track record of improving systems, leading our Adult Programs with 海角社区鈥檚 core values in mind: Innovation, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Perseverance.
鈥淐ontributing to providing the best lives possible for the people we support and their families is most important,鈥 shares Darryl. He is committed to 鈥渉elping our people we serve increase their independence and achieve all the milestones in life that they value.鈥
Robyn Reagan
Vice President of Special Education
鈥淐hildren thrive in classrooms and communities where they experience acceptance, connection, and respect,鈥 says Robyn Reagan. A lifelong advocate for children who struggle to make their gifts and needs known, her first role model was Annie Sullivan, teacher and friend to Helen Keller. 鈥淚n my work and training,鈥 states Robyn, 鈥渢he ABCs stand for All Behavior Communicates. I love seeing the gleam in a student's eyes when they succeed at something they couldn't do before.鈥
Robyn has been improving systems and supports for children, youth and families for over 25 years. With experience in Special Education ranging from K-12 and from public school campuses to residential settings, she has provided leadership and professional development for educators, administrators, and parents. Robyn鈥檚 impact is widespread. She still hears from a parent whose child was considered too low-functioning for an augmented and alternative communication device (AAC). Robyn and the mother included flashcards of letters and numbers after his behavior trials, and he was recently published in a national poetry contest for high school students. She is fully committed to challenging perceived limitations of people and systems and finding creative ways to move forward.
One of Robyn鈥檚 mother's favorite poems was "Hope is the thing with feathers," by Emily Dickinson. Robyn shares, 鈥淭hat Esperanza means hope and our logo is two birds makes my work here a tribute to the resilience and values she passed down to me.鈥
Michelle Cox
Director of Philanthropy
Michelle Cox is dedicated and passionate about the individuals 海角社区 serves. She began her career with 海角社区 in 2004 and was promoted to Director in 2007. An instrumental figure in helping to raise funds, Michelle works tirelessly to ensure 海角社区鈥檚 programs provide the best opportunities possible. In addition to fundraising, she oversees the department budget and all fundraising efforts to meet financial goals. Under her leadership, 海角社区 implemented a Strategic Communications Plan, which aided in focusing 海角社区鈥檚 messaging and growing brand identity. A part of the team that secured funding for Phases 1 and 2 of 海角社区鈥檚 Hope Moves Forward Capital Campaign, Michelle also served as the liaison for 海角社区 and all construction operations.
Michelle is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Los Angeles Chapter, as well as the Rotary Club of San Marino. Additionally, she volunteers her time with the schools where her children attend.
Angela Gilbert
Senior Director of Human Resources
Angela Gilbert reflects, 鈥満＝巧缜 is an organization that fills a considerable gap in our community and in our schools while also making a difference in the lives of our adults and students. It is very gratifying to see our clients blossom and learn new skills as a result of their participation in our programs and the work and support of our dedicated staff.鈥 Angela has over 27 years of experience in nonprofit and Human Resources Management. She started her Human Resources career at an NGO that provides low-income housing. Her tenure there quickly inspired her to continue working for organizations that make a difference and help underserved communities. She earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Human Resources and Master鈥檚 degree in Public Administration.
Angela joined 海角社区 as the Human Resources Manager approximately 19 years ago. Since then, she served as Director of Human Resources, and now in her current role as the Sr. Director of Human Resources, she oversees the full spectrum of the HR suite. This includes full cycle recruitment and staffing, onboarding, labor compliance, benefits administration, policy development, employee relations and performance management.
On a personal note, Angela shares, 鈥淚 am bicultural, bilingual and biliterate, which provides me with an ability to relate to a range of personalities and backgrounds. Lover of travel, great coffee, and my adorable four-legged sidekicks. Early morning workouts fuel my day, while fashion (and a little retail therapy) fuels my soul. Give me a shopping spree, a great destination to explore and a cup of 100% Colombian coffee and I am at my happiest.鈥
Her professional motto: "Train people well enough so they can leave; treat them well enough so they don't want to," Richard Branson.
Her personal motto: It matters how we choose to show up in the world.
Michael Greene
Director of Employment Services
Michael Greene loves 鈥減utting money in people鈥檚 pockets, seeing them figure out how to get a job and hold it long term.鈥 Multilingual in Spanish and French, he loves helping participants throughout their career arc. Michael graduated from USC with a B.S. in Social Sciences and Communication and then gained experience in affordable housing development and securities analysis. He moved on to work as a member of community services at Frank Lanterman regional center before arriving at 海角社区, where he has remained for almost twenty years. Always ready for the unexpected, Michael is a flexible, solutions-oriented thinker who keeps open communication with his staff.
Michelle Lam
Director of Adult Day Services
Michelle Lam is committed to expanding possibilities for the developmental disability community, creating spaces where everyone can thrive. With a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Cal State University, Los Angeles, specializing in Rehabilitation Exercise Therapy and minoring in Fine Arts, Michelle decided to dedicate her career to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. For the past 13 years, she has had the privilege of growing within 海角社区, starting as a Skills Instructor and working her way up to her current role as Director of Day Program Services.
For Michelle, this journey has been more than just professional growth; it is an opportunity to learn, connect, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those that 海角社区 serves. Meeting incredible individuals and their families along the way has reinforced her passion for fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Michelle鈥檚 goal is to continue driving positive change with creativity and innovation, ensuring that 海角社区鈥檚 programs provide the highest level of care, support, and opportunities for growth.
Damion Lee
Director of Residential Services
Having dedicated over 25 years to 海角社区, Damion Lee鈥檚 tenure reflects a deep-seated commitment to our residents. His guiding principle in this work is simply a desire to help people, a value that has remained constant throughout his time here. The most rewarding part of his role is witnessing the smiles on the faces of those we serve, a visual confirmation that our efforts are making a positive impact.
Damion鈥檚 connection to 海角社区's mission began unexpectedly. He learned about the organization through his church community and was unaware such a field of work existed. His initial day was uncertain, as he wasn't sure if he was capable of fulfilling the demands of the role. However, by the end of that first day, Damion realized he had helped someone, a feeling that resonated deeply. This sense of purpose, the ability to support his "海角社区 Family," is what motivated him to return day after day. His journey at 海角社区 is a testament to growth from within. Starting as direct care staff, Damion has been fortunate to receive several promotions, culminating in his current role as Director of Residential Services. 海角社区's growth highlights the significant opportunities within the organization and reinforces his strong commitment to its goals and the people we serve.
Rebekka Manzella, MSOT, OTR/L
Director of Occupational Therapy
Rebekka is a dedicated occupational therapist with a passion for supporting individuals across the lifespan. She works with children, adolescents, and adults, empowering each client to reach their full potential and engage in the activities that matter most to them.
Rebekka graduated with honors from Pitzer College with a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Neuroscience and later earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She joined 海角社区 in 2017 and currently serves as Director of Occupational Therapy, overseeing the organization鈥檚 OT programs.
Her clinical background spans diverse settings, including schools, home health, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and acute rehabilitation centers. Rebekka鈥檚 strong foundation in neuroscience informs her specialization in neurorehabilitation and sensory integration. She has worked extensively with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including neurological, orthopedic, cardiopulmonary, developmental, and mental health conditions across both pediatric and adult populations.
As a certified DIR-Floortime庐 (DIR-FDC) provider, Rebekka uses a relationship-based, social-emotional approach to support her clients. She also brings expertise in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care, with a deep commitment to supporting individuals who are often misunderstood due to behavioral, communication, or mental health challenges.
Across all settings, Rebekka partners closely with clients and their families to ensure therapy is individualized, holistic, and meaningful.
Kimberly Tan, MA, CC-SLP
Director of the Hjelte-Phillips Speech & Language Center
Kimberly Tan states, 鈥淢y highest priority is to make our clients feel safe and cared for. Working at 海角社区 provides me with the time and resources to make client and family needs my top priority.鈥 Kimberly earned her B.A. in Linguistics and English from UCLA and her M.A. in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Long Beach. In 2000, she began her career in special education in public schools, first as a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) aide and later as a speech-language pathologist. After working in the Fountain Valley, Long Beach Unified, El Rancho Unified, and San Mateo-Foster City School Districts, Kimberly joined the team at 海角社区 in 2011. Here at 海角社区, she has worked with a diverse group of students, developing expertise in the areas of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), group intervention, supervision, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Kimberly believes that 鈥渆veryone deserves a voice. Whether it is through spoken words, pictures, or sign language, all people deserve to have the power to express themselves and be heard.鈥
A TouchChat certified trainer, Kimberly stays current on evidence-based practices by attending and presenting at conferences such as the annual California Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference. Following are the titles of her recent presentations:
鈥 鈥淣euro-affirming Strategies for Students With Autism and Neuro-Affirming Techniques for Goal Writing鈥 (co-presented with Adam Tan, 2025)
鈥 鈥淐reating a Neurodiversity-affirming Environment for AAC Users in Schools鈥 (2025)
鈥 鈥淣eurodiversity Affirming Practices for Autistic AAC Users鈥 (co-presented with Tricia Lewis, 2023)
鈥 鈥淐reating Interactive Social Group Activities for Students with Complex Communication Needs鈥 (co-presented with Cynthia Young, 2023)
鈥 鈥淩esources and Techniques for Bilingual Assessment in Young Children鈥 (co-presented with Laura Garcia-Maxey and Judith Montgomery, 2019)
鈥 鈥淪peech and Language Assessments for Children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds: Resources and Techniques (co-presented with Laura Garcia-Maxey and Judith Montgomery, 2018)
Kimberly is a clinical instructor at Chapman University.
Antonio Del Rosario
Controller
鈥淚 find the greatest satisfaction when our team鈥檚 efforts come to fruition鈥攅specially when everyone feels valued and proud of what we鈥檝e achieved,鈥 shares Antonio. Before immigrating to the United States in the early 2000s, Antonio earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting and pursued an MBA in the Philippines. A working student, he gained hands-on experience in corporate planning through diverse projects at Magsaysay Lines. He played a key role in coordinating and strategizing efforts to bring global franchises like Armani, DKNY, and Prada to the Philippines. With Roasters鈥 Group, he also managed financial planning and budgeting for local branches of Seattle鈥檚 Best Coffee, Popeye鈥檚, and Kenny Rogers.
These rich professional experiences shaped Antonio鈥檚 strong leadership, analytical, and organizational skills, which he now brings to the 海角社区 Finance team. Committed to personal growth, he reflects candidly, 鈥淚 recognized that communication is an area where I could use support. I鈥檝e often been told I come across as very direct鈥攕omething I attribute to my upbringing and professional background. I was raised, and trained that way, both at home and in previous roles where I worked closely with CEOs, presidents, and business owners. In those environments, communication was typically straightforward: a clear yes or no was preferred over lengthy explanations.鈥
When asked about his connection to 海角社区鈥檚 mission, he adds, 鈥淚 like to think I carry a great deal of care and love within me鈥攅ven if I don鈥檛 always show it outwardly or in public.鈥
Claudia Cortez
Dimensions Program Manager
鈥淓veryone has the potential to become great in their lives,鈥 states Claudia Cortez. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I chose to work in this field.鈥 Claudia began her journey with 海角社区 in the year 2000 as a Skills Instructor before ultimately moving up to become Program Manager. Now with over 30 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, Claudia has built a strong team in the Dimensions Day Program.
As manager for Dimensions, she has successfully helped the individuals we serve enhance their independence, confidence, and self-esteem while developing new abilities and skills to reach the best quality of life possible. Calm under pressure, she works diligently to assist our participants with making the most advantageous choices for themselves, creating lasting bonds with them, as well as with their families. Claudia鈥檚 goal is to continue supporting 海角社区鈥檚 participants in achieving their very best versions of themselves in this lifetime.
Nicole Wright
Executive Assistant/Office Manager
Nicole has been with 海角社区 since 2007, starting as a receptionist and steadily growing within the organization. She served as Office Coordinator before being promoted in 2016 to Executive Assistant and Office Manager, a role that also includes managing 海角社区鈥檚 facilities. Nicole supports the CEO, acts as a liaison to the Board of Directors, and oversees the day-to-day operations of the office. Her 18 years at 海角社区 have been deeply meaningful鈥攚itnessing the hard work and care that define the organization has been a constant source of inspiration. She is, 鈥減roud to support the people and mission that make 海角社区 so special.鈥
Program Leadership
Dr. Dominic Balino, OTD, OTR/L
Licensed Occupational Therapist
Dominic Balino is an occupational therapist who is a recent graduate from West Coast University鈥檚 Center for Graduate Studies. Dominic completed his doctoral capstone project at 海角社区鈥 Occupational Therapy Clinic and focused his project on educating and empowering instructional aides and teachers working with students with intellectual/ developmental disabilities at 海角社区 Esperanza School. Prior to his graduate studies, he worked as a Behavioral Intervention Assistant at Alhambra Unified School District. Dominic鈥檚 dedication to sensory integration and support for individuals with developmental challenges highlights his commitment to enhancing therapeutic practices in educational settings.
Priscilla Burciaga
Independent Living/ Supported Living Services (ILS/SLS) Program Administrator
Priscilla Burciaga states, 鈥淢y passion is encouraging others to promote inclusivity and opportunities to our persons served.鈥 As someone who has family with disabilities, 海角社区鈥檚 community is near to her heart. Priscilla started her career at 海角社区 in 2016 while working in the medical field. Utilizing her skills in communication, empathy and building rapport, she has worked in an array of 海角社区 programs, starting out in our Adult Day Program (ADP) and then eventually splitting her time as an instructor in both ADP and ILS. Eventually, Priscilla worked solely for ILS as the Lead and then moved to our Employment Services program to become a case manager. Soon, however, she decided that the ILS/SLS program was her true calling, and she returned to become the Program Administrator. Priscilla shares, 鈥淢y mission is simple: to provide care, support, and training to our community of adults with intellectual/ developmental disabilities while providing essential skills that promote independence.鈥
Carlos Franco
Employment Services Specialist
鈥淢y philosophy is rooted in the belief that every person we serve is capable of achieving meaningful goals,鈥 says Carlos Franco. 鈥淲ith the right support, guidance, and encouragement from our organization, they can lead fulfilling and self-directed lives.鈥 Carlos has grown both professionally and personally through his range of roles at 海角社区 鈥攆rom Job Coach and Skills Instructor to Skills Instructor II, and now as an Employment Services Specialist. During his time here, he has taken on increasing responsibilities; communicated effectively with Regional Center service coordinators, management, and employers; and most importantly, advocated鈥攏ot only for the individuals we serve but also for himself. 鈥淭hese experiences,鈥 he shares, 鈥渉ave strengthened my voice and deepened my commitment to our mission.鈥
When describing his journey at 海角社区, he shares, 鈥淚 have had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable growth of the individuals we support. Just as they have evolved through the guidance and support provided, I too have developed a deeper understanding of the power of encouragement, resilience, and purpose.鈥
鈥淚 always look forward to learning鈥攆rom colleagues, from the people we serve, and from every experience this role brings,鈥 says Carlos. 鈥淚 am proud to be part of a team that empowers individuals and fosters growth at every level.鈥
Renae Kuykendall
Program Supervisor for Employment Services
鈥淓very day is a new day,鈥 says Renae Kuykendall. Renae loves having a good time with our participants, laughing and joking as she supervises their work. With a background in early childhood education and supervisory experience from the YMCA, Renae came to 海角社区 in 2010. Today as Program Supervisor for Employment Services, she assists the adults in maintaining 海角社区鈥檚 facilities while overseeing other work crews out in the community. Always ready for a new challenge, Renae enjoys the variety that every day at 海角社区 brings. What she values most about her work at 海角社区 is the ability to support participants in maintaining meaningful employment within the community.
Sherna Pinnock
Non-Public School Curriculum Specialist
A proud Caribbean national by birth, Ms. Sherna Pinnock says that she is from 鈥渢he country of Bob Marley and Jerk Chicken鈥擩amaica.鈥 She joined 海角社区 as a middle school classroom teacher in 2003 and went on to lead the first high school class to graduate from 海角社区鈥 Non-Public School. Currently in the role of Curriculum Specialist, she supports 海角社区鈥檚 educators in the development of themed lesson plans, alignment of data to report for and in the preparation of Individualized Education Plans. Her primary focus while working with professionals and paraprofessionals is to ensure the students we serve receive the Core Curriculum content that is stipulated by the California Department of Education, including the Performing Arts and Physical Education. Additionally, she facilitates on-going trainings to ensure 海角社区 is operating within the guidelines of state mandates. Among the achievements that she holds dear since working for 海角社区鈥檚 Non-Public School is organizing 海角社区鈥 first Sports Day and having students participate in Special Olympic Activities in the San Gabriel Area.
As an advocate for a healthy lifestyle, including self-regulation, she encourages the use of diverse equipment by our students: swings, spinning equipment, walks and ball play, among other sporting or movement activities. Ultimately, her goal is to foster growth and independence, as much as is possible, in students who have been entrusted to 海角社区's school by parents who want the very best for their children.
Gina Soroko
Program Administrator for Ventura Independent Living Services
Gina Soroka says, 鈥淭here鈥檚 no 鈥業鈥 in 鈥榯eam鈥.鈥 As ILS Program Administrator for Ventura County, her priority is to build a team that works together for the growth of 海角社区 with a keen eye on the importance of the services that 海角社区 provides. Gina joined 海角社区 with skills from being a certified medical assistant and personal caregiver. Starting as a job coach in 2015, she progressed to become the lead ILS staff for Ventura County and eventually became the Ventura County Program Administrator. While she鈥檚 not fulfilling the administrative aspects of the job, you may find Gina speaking at job fairs or leading staff meetings. Gina says that because the value of the individuals in our care often goes unnoticed, she is passionate about assisting them in seeing their own value and reaching their goals. She shares, 鈥淭he most gratifying part of working with the individuals is to get them to feel free to come to our office and get familiar with our in-office staff and see that they feel welcome.鈥
Montrey Taylor-Vaughn
ADP Program Coordinator
With a heart for service and over 25 years of unwavering dedication, Montrey has been an integral part of 海角社区 since 1999. She began her journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at 海角社区鈥檚 group homes, where her compassion and commitment quickly stood out. Over the years, she transitioned into lead staff at our Adult Day Program and then excelled as an Activities Coordinator before stepping into her current role as Program Coordinator.
Throughout her career, Montrey has brought joy and engagement to the individuals we serve through thoughtfully planned activities and monthly events that promote inclusion, celebration, and fun. From coordinating delicious catering to organizing large-scale events that bring participants and staff together, her creative vision and organizational skills have left a lasting impact on the program. Her deep connection with the participants and genuine passion for creating meaningful moments continue to inspire everyone around her.